Bangladesh are hoping captain Mohammad Ashraful will rediscover his batting touch as they resume their quest for a first major win in the second Test against New Zealand here on Saturday.

Ashraful, 24, admitted he had angered fans with his two and nought in the opening Test, where Bangladesh had one of their best chances to beat one of the top sides.

"I know people were angry with me but it doesn't irritate me because this is reality. They support me when I do well, so I would like to have some support when I don't do well. Hopefully there will be a turnaround," he said.

Bangladesh looked set for a famous win before New Zealand, set 317 to win, reeled in their record away-from-home target with three wickets to spare.

But the home team, whose lone success in 54 Tests was against Zimbabwe, will take heart from dominating the first four days with left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan recording the country's best innings figures of 7-36.

Ashraful, who is returning to his home ground at the Sher-e-Bangla Mirpur Stadium, said Bangladesh would target New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori after his fighting 76 saved the opening Test.

"He (Vettori) was the difference in the first Test and we will have to find ways to get him early. We still have a lot of positives from the first Test as we boweld and batted well but couldn't finish it off," said Ashraful.

"We have the talent to win the second Test. The pitch will support our bowlers."

New Zealand coach John Bracewell was wary of Bangladesh's response after their near-miss in the opening Test.

"They may have seen it as an opportunity lost, not an opportunity that's going to destroy them. They may say 'we're getting close' and take the optimistic line," said Bracewell.

"Vettori needs more support and it's something we're working through, getting experience into the other bowlers, trying to build their skills," he added.

Bracewell also praised his team for the first-Test win, saying it spoke volumes about their strength of character.

"Given the position we were in, it's one of the great character wins. The way the guys assessed the run-chase and applied themselves was great. I couldn't heap enough praise on them," he said.

"Heat took its toll but the players' ability to adapt and change in a quick turnaround is testament to their commitment and their ability and I hope they continue," Bracewell added.

Bangladesh fought hard to stave off an embarrassing defeat against quality New Zealand bowling before the second Test finally petered out into a draw on the final day here on Wednesday.
New Zealand clinched the two-match series 1-0 after they won the first Test at Chittagong by three wickets and they pushed hard to pull off a highly unlikely win here after the first three days were washed out.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori once again tormented Bangladesh with three wickets in one over to inject life into the rain-hit second Test here Tuesday.
With the first three days washed out, play finally began on the fourth morning and after declaring New Zealand's first innings at 262-6, Vettori's triple strike left Bangladesh in trouble at 13-3 in reply.

New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram will miss the second Test against Bangladesh because of a back injury, team officials said Thursday.
Team manager Lindsay Crocker told AFP Oram would miss the second Test starting Friday and would fly home on Saturday.

Bangladesh on Wednesday were left to rue another Test near-miss but took heart from running New Zealand close here.
Coach Jamie Siddons said he joined millions of Bangladeshis in mourning the defeat after New Zealand chased down a massive 317-run target to grab victory.